If you have LOST a dog

Stay calm and confident. Most dogs are found soon after they get out. You need to
be thinking clearly, and you need to be recruiting help and gathering information.
Letting your emotions get away from you can cause you make mistakes and can frighten
people you meet who might otherwise be helpful.

If you have completed a thorough search of the area within a few blocks of where
your dog was last seen but have not located your dog, it is time to take your search
to the next level. Several people may have seen him or her, or somebody might have
already rescued your pet. In this case posters are very effective.

Print posters, and post them at the entrances to your neighborhood
and those nearby. Also post them at intersections, take them to vet clinics, pet related
businesses (pet shops, groomers, dog trainers), and animal shelters. Your poster
should ALWAYS have a PHOTO of your dog that could
make a difference between finding it or not.

You will find links on this page to website you can place posting
of lost dogs, use them. The first couple of week are critical for a successful rescue.
You can also put a poster on the back of your vehicle. Think of
this as a marketing campaign, the more you advertise, more chances for success.
And you are looking for ONE person that has found your dog and might be looking
for a poster.

While your postings are out, walk around the area, talk
to people and hand out flyers with a picture of your dog.
Most people are usually compassionate in these situations, specially if they have
dogs of their own. They will keep an eye out for you.

If you live near a greenbelt, chances are your dog had gone out
for a little adventure in the woods and got lost. Check that greenbelt carefully.
Calling your dog while your are in the greenbelt might help scare other animal away
and lead your pet towards you. Do not expect your dog to bark in response, as it
is probably scared and doesn’t want to call attention of predators like Coyotes.

Check the FOUND ads on local papers as well as on lost dog sites every day.

A pet detective can also be an option. They usually have tracker
dogs that are trained and can follow the scent of your dog.

If it rains, check to see if your posters are still in good shape.

Rescue Organizations could be also where your pet ended up. Contact these rescue
groups and check their websites on adoptable dogs. Your pup might have been put
for adoption. check our Rescue Groups)

If it has been a while you lost your dog, don't lose hope. If someone got it, chances
are he will escape again. I've seen cases of people finding their dogs 8 months
later even at the pound. (check our Amazing Dog Rescue Stories)

Important to know:

Most animal shelter staff will NOT refer to any lost dog posting left there when
they pick up a new animal. Calling is also NOT effective. Please go to your city
animal shelter to check if your dog is there at least twice a week. You will be
surprised how many pure breeds and small dogs are found and taken to shelters.